Saturday 4 May 2013

Dr Who Series Seven Part Two — Episode 11: The Crimson Horror

Oh, now, wait, hang on … 

I think I’m going to have a Christopher Ecclestone Moment, here … 

And about tonight’s episode of Dr Who.

Hang on, altogether now …

FANTASTIC


Now … 

I suppose I’d better answers the Forest of Cheem’s question: and tell you exactly why I though tonight’s episode of Dr Who was fantastic, hadn’t I … ?

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Set in Yorkshire in 1893*, The Crimson Horror sees the return of the Paternoster Row Gang: Madame Vastra (Neve Macintosh), her wife, Jenny (Catrin Stewart) and their manservant, Commander Strax (Danny Starkey).

The intrepid threesome has been investigating the mysterious activities of Mrs Gillyflower and her blind daughter, Ada — played by real world mother and daughter, Diana Rigg and Rachel Stirling — who’ve set up an apparent utopian match factory in Yorkshire.

They’ve quietly become aware that all isn’t sweet in Sweetville — as the factory’s called — and head north to dig around.

When they get there … ?

The team find the place is suffering a rash of crimson covered bodies being found in the canal.

And on infiltrating Sweetville, itself … ?   Jenny finds that the monster in the attic … is an old friend …

Like we didn’t see that one coming … !


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At ANY rate … ?

At any rate, I personally believe The Crimson Horror to be something of a … 

Well … ‘return to form’ isn’t the phrase, I think.

Instead, I’ll call The Crimson Horror the series seven highpoint to date: it revisits established — and popular — recurring characters, has a romp of a fantastic plot and some cracking dialogue: complete with a now obligatory Strax moment.


Personally … ?

Well, personally, if you missed this one, tonight, you  missed a blinder … !

Until this sort of time, next week, that is … !


Enjoy the rest of the night, folks … !











*        And written by Mark Gatiss: he’s been collaborating with Steven Moffat on Sherlock and has something of a taste — as his BBC documentaries about horror movies show — for the Grand Guignol: even if he’s not quite as blood-soaked as a certain Mr Holmes … 


4 comments:

Toby O'B said...

Hi! Toby of Toobworld here. I thought it was a corker of an episode as well, with some great lines (mostly delivered by Dame Diana).

Great clips included in your review.

But just wanted to point out that the episode took place in 1893, in case you wanted to edit your piece....

Have a great Sunday!

Nik Nak said...

Cheers, Toby: I’ve managed to correct the error.

Which is what happens when someone phones you, RIGHT in the middle of things, wanting to talk about the 50th Anniversary special … !

(Just as a question, did you notice Dame Diana’s Mighty Organ … ? I don’t know it’s just me, but the rear side of definitely looked like a Difference Engine: whether that’s of any use to you … )

Debbi said...

OMG! I didn't realize the mother was Diana Rigg! Wow! She was amazing, as always. :)

Great episode.

Nik Nak said...

She was, Debbi, yes: you DO know that Ada — Mrs Gillyflower’s daughter — was played by Rachel Stirling, Diana Rigg’s real-world … ?